Study reveals shortcomings in 24 European cities' heat management plans
Sweco, Europe’s largest architectural and engineering consultancy, has reviewed the climate plans for 24 European cities with heat-related concerns. The report finds “significant shortcomings”, although some cities are making progress. In Brussels, the situation is “critical”, the study states.
Sweco says there is an urgent need for heatwave mitigation and resilience. The consultancy believes that digital innovation, nature-based solutions, green-blue infrastructure and the design of high-performance buildings should form the pillars of heat plans.
Cities would also benefit from investing in detailed data, such as better monitoring and evaluation and vulnerability mapping, Sweco states. Finally, cities should develop a long-term vision and strive for transparent and collaborative governance, such as investment in knowledge, data-driven heat management and joint planning in a heatwave crisis.
More than 70 per cent of Europeans currently live in cities, a figure that is expected to rise to 84 per cent by 2050 due to continued urbanisation. At the same time, Europe is experiencing temperatures that are rising twice as fast as the global average. As a result, heat-related mortality has increased by around 30 per cent over the past 20 years.
Alarming increase in Brussels
In Brussels, urban temperatures are up to 8 degrees Celsius higher than those in surrounding rural areas due to the urban heat island effect, the Sweco report finds. The number of days with moderate heat stress is expected to increase by 150 per cent between 2020 and 2100, which means nine extra days per year. Historical data shows a significant increase in the frequency and duration of heatwaves, posing serious threats to public health, infrastructure and resources.
In northern European cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo, heatwave days are estimated to increase by at least 140 per cent between 2020 and 2100, the report says.
Parc de Bruxelles as temperatures reach 33 degrees Celsius and higher © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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